Belize's Snowy Surprise: Is It Possible?

Belize is a country in Central America with a subtropical climate. It has two seasons: the wet season, which lasts from June to November, and the dry season, which lasts from February to May. The country is hot and humid all year round, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 95°F. So, does it ever snow in Belize?

Belize's climate and seasons

Belize has a subtropical climate, with two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season runs from mid-May to November in the south and from mid-June to November in the north. The dry season is from February to April. The transitional period is from November to February, with cooler temperatures and less rain.

The temperature in Belize varies by only about 4°C between the coolest and hottest parts of the year. The coolest period is from December to March, with an average temperature of 75°F, and the hottest is from May to September, with an average of 81°F. The daily temperature range is around 10°C, and temperatures decrease by about 3°C for every 1000ft rise in altitude. The annual mean temperature is 79°F, and temperatures range from 50°F to 95°F.

The humidity in Belize is generally high, with an average of 83%, but it is rarely oppressive due to cooling sea breezes. The coastal areas benefit from trade winds that reduce humidity and lower temperatures slightly. The winds blow onshore most of the year, and from September to December, northerly winds bring cooler, drier air.

The wet season experiences early morning showers and thunderstorms, particularly in June and July. The dry season has lower precipitation and abundant sunshine, with the months of April and May being the driest. The rainy season can cause rivers to swell and roads to become muddy and inaccessible.

Belize does not experience winter in the traditional sense, with temperatures never reaching freezing. Strong storms can occur, but an early warning system is in place. The high season for tourists is during the dry season, from December to May, with the peak period from mid-December to mid-January and during Easter. The rainy season, from June to November, is a good time to visit to avoid the crowds and take advantage of lower prices.

Snow in other Central American countries

Belize does not experience snow. The country is classified as subtropical, and temperatures never drop low enough for ice or snow. Instead, it has two seasons: the "dry" season, from December to May, and the "green" season, from June to November. The former features lower amounts of precipitation, abundant sunshine, and warm temperatures, while the latter sees more rainfall, usually in the form of early morning showers or quick downpours in the afternoon.

However, snow is not entirely absent from Central America. In Guatemala, the highest peak in Central America, the inactive Volcan Tajumulco, occasionally receives a dusting of snow. At an elevation of over 13,000 feet, this mountain can experience freezing temperatures and, with the right conditions, a touch of snowfall. But these snowy moments are fleeting and more like a ""friendly hello from snowflakes" rather than a true winter wonderland.

Guatemala's neighbour, Mexico, also experiences snow on its highest peaks. The three highest volcanoes in North America, El Pico de Orizaba, Popocatepetl, and Iztaccihuatl, support permanent glaciers and receive snowfall during the winter. These majestic mountains stand tall, offering ski descents and a challenge for mountaineers.

The weather in Belize in December

No snow, but a great time for a tropical Christmas

Belize has a subtropical climate, so while it doesn't snow there, December is one of the coolest months of the year. The average temperature range in December is 76-79°F (24-26°C) on the coast and 67-81°F (20-27°C) inland, with average highs of 80°F (27°C) and lows of 71°F (22°C). The sea temperature is 81°F (27°C), so it's a great time for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving.

December is a transitional month, marking the end of the wet season and the start of the dry season. It usually begins with plenty of rain, but the weather dries out towards the end of the month.

The dry season in Belize typically runs from December to May and is characterised by warm to hot temperatures, sunny days, cooling trade winds and little rain. The wet season runs from June to November and is characterised by warm temperatures and brief but sometimes intense rain.

The high season for tourists in Belize is during the dry season, from December to May, with the biggest influx of tourists between December 15 and January 15. So if you're planning a trip to Belize in December, book well in advance!

The coldest it gets in Belize

Belize is a subtropical country with warm to hot temperatures all year round. There is no traditional winter in Belize, and snow is unheard of. The coolest part of the year falls between December and March, with an average temperature of 75°F.

In the uplands, such as the Mountain Pine Ridge and the Maya Mountains, temperatures can fall by about 3°C for every 1000ft increase in altitude. In November, nighttime temperatures in the Cayo region can drop to 46°F, and in the mountains, blankets are needed at night during the coldest periods.

The coldest temperature ever recorded in Belize was 12.5°C (54.5°F) in January 2001, as reported by the Lord's Bank weather station. The coldest winter on record was in 1978, with an average temperature of 23.5°C (74.3°F).

In Punta Gorda, the coldest temperature ever recorded was 38°F, and in Sibun Hill, it was 39°F.

Belize's highest mountains

Belize has a tropical climate and is warm and humid all year round. The country experiences two seasons: the Rainy Season and the Dry Season. It does not snow in Belize.

Belize has 84 named mountains. The highest and most prominent mountain is Doyle's Delight, which stands at 3,724 feet (1,124 metres). Doyle's Delight is located in the Maya Mountains, which extend along the southern region of Belize and contain the country's highest point.

The second-highest mountain in Belize is Victoria Peak, which stands at 3,675 feet (1,120 metres). Victoria Peak is also located in the Maya Mountains, in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, and was declared a natural monument in 1998. The mountain is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including over 300 species of birds and several endangered species.

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is located in the central mountains of Belize and covers over 106,000 acres of land. The reserve features granite and limestone mountains and is home to several notable sites, including Barton Creek and Big Rock Falls.

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